Strong waves destroy road, isolate Binh Thuan commune

Nearly 200 households in Binh Thuan Province have been isolated after a coastal road was washed away by strong waves.

Nearly 200 households in Binh Thuan Province have been isolated after a coastal road was washed away by strong waves on April 28.

  

Road destroyed by strong waves in Binh Thuan Province on April 28

The 500-metre road that connected Tien Binh Village, Tien Thanh Commune, to the outside has been completely destroyed along with many houses and other construction like electric pylons. High tides and strong waves encroached 200 metres into the mainland.

Luckily, since this area is prone to natural disasters, the local people have already moved out a long time ago so there's no fatality.

"I was going home on this road then suddenly, the side of the road eroded really fast. I and my wife were able to run to the sand dune or else we would have been swept away," said Nguyen Van Trung.

  

Tien Thanh Commune isolated after road destroyed

The road is near a sea embankment, a part of the sea encroachment project to upgrade Duc Long Ward urban area by Truong Phuc Hai Company. In theory, when the wave hit the land, it will be blocked by the embankment and the pressure will be spread evenly to both sides. Some people said besides strong winds, the on-going construction nearby had made the situation worse.

Binh Thuan People's Committee has asked locality authorities to quickly open a new road for the locals. Warning signs have been put up and contractors were asked to reinforce the embankment to prevent further damage.